Easter is upon us. It humbles me to the core to imagine what the Savior endured to save me, and you . .  .  and to secure a way out of the harmful experiences that come with living in a fallen world. Because He died and rose again, we are able to rise above abuse, betrayal, and addiction.

Because we have Easter. We have hope.

What do you hope for today?

When I was a single mother with two young boys and a baby who rarely slept through the night, I prayed every morning: Please God. Give me the strength to put my feet on the floor.

He always did. The days were long. My life was hard. But still, He gave me the grace to rise and walk. I was lonely for adult fellowship. I was tired. But today, I'm grateful for that season in my life. I learned how to depend on God, simply by asking for the strength to get out of bed each day and show up for my life.

If you wake each morning with an overwhelming desire to put the blankets over your head and go back to sleep, take a deep breath. Then ask God to direct your steps, beginning with the ones you must take to get out of bed. I understand how hard it is to move your feet when all you can see is a day filled with challenges. Step into your day expecting God to move on your behalf. And when you climb into bed at night, thank Him for the day, even if the good He's accomplished is not yet recognizable to you.

Remember, I pray for you! And I would never ask you to do something I haven't done myself. A grateful heart can move mountains. 

Prayer: Father in heaven, thank You for working on my behalf. You are my refuge. You are my strength. You are in every step I take. In Jesus' name, amen.

In John 6:12 Jesus instructs His disciples to gather up the fragments of bread left over from the five barley loaves He'd multiplied to feed five thousand people. "Gather up the fragments that remain, so that nothing is lost."

Today, Christ gathers the fragments of our hearts, makes us whole, and then uses our stories to feed those who hunger for encouragement--assurance that they are not alone.

No matter where you are in the healing process, chances are you have something to offer someone who's not as far along as you. It's also likely that if you're open to receiving help, God has placed someone in your life that can come along side you as you continue to grow.

Who can you encourage today? How? Who can encourage you? Will you let them?

A word about seasons of isolation: There have been times in my life when I've reached out for help, but it didn't come from human hands. Times when I believed I would go insane from loneliness AND being alone. I've learned that during those times God wanted my full attention. If you better relate to this scenario, spend time talking to God each day. Really talking. Tell Him how you feel about this season in your life. And rest assured--it's only for a season.

Read stories that tell of God's servants during seasons of isolation. Notice how they responded to God. Take note of the insights they gained. Ask God for wisdom and the know-how to apply it to your circumstances.

Prayer: God, I entrust You with the fragments of my heart and I believe You will make me whole. Guide me today. Help me to recognize that there is purpose in my life. Provide opportunities for me to be a source of encouragement to others, and grant me the courage to be obedient to what You ask of me. If You want my full attention, let Your very presence teach me that I am never alone. I do not suffer in vain. In Jesus' name, amen.

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. (Psalm 32:8 NKJV)

Today, I find great comfort in this scripture. But I remember when it frustrated me. My life was a desperate haze of pain and confusion. I wanted freedom, but I didn't know where to begin. I needed the words in my Bible (which are alive and active) to be alive and active in my life. 

If you can relate, don't give up. Highlight a few verses in the Bible that speak to your circumstances. Next, hold fast to the promises of God. If what you've highlighted is a prayer, pray it daily. Memorize the Word of God. Speak it aloud everyday. When you can't sleep, meditate on the Word of God.

Psalm 32:8 is a great place to start. Write it down and carry it with you. Pray it everyday. Make time to LISTEN for His response, write down what you hear, and then follow His lead.

Lord, instruct me and teach me in the way I should go. Counsel me and watch over me. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Overtime, you will become increasingly aware of when He is instructing, teaching, counseling, and watching over you. In those moments, thank Him and record the date in your journal.

"Lord, thank You for instructing me and watching over me. In Jesus' name, Amen."

Powerful. Practical.

Are you willing to give it a try?

"Your sun shall no longer go down,
Nor shall your moon withdraw itself:
For the Lord will be your everlasting light,
And the days of your mourning shall be ended."

(Isaiah 60:20 NKJV)

Nine years ago, my husband brought a Bible home and placed it on the coffee table. I was a few hours away from attending my first group therapy for survivors of sexual abuse. I hadn't read the Bible in decades. I avoided them. But there it was. And there I was. Desperate for a word of encouragement, I opened it and read . . . "your days of sorrow will end."

I clung to that promise and never let go. It took time. More time than I wanted to invest, but eventually I realized I was worth the time it took to heal. God Himself used that season of my life to invest in me, to prove to me that I mattered to Him. That what happened to me mattered to Him.

By the time my days of mourning ended, I no longer saw the promise as the prize. I saw the Promise Maker as my prize. Healing was icing on the cake. That is my great hope for you!

Are you willing to take hold of that promise and continue to seek the One who offers it to you? It's okay if at first the promise of an end to mourning is what motivates you. As God guides your steps, He fills your heart with more than what you originally ask for.

Prayer: God in heaven, I believe the days of my mourning will end. "I believe. Help me with my unbelief." (Mark 9:24) I won't give up, except when I do. Then I need You to renew my resolve to begin again. The world is a dangerous place for a girl. Reveal to me the refuge in being Your daughter. In Jesus' name, Amen."